On March 13, around 16:30 Moscow time, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces attempted to carry out an attack using an aircraft-type drone. The ministry stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle was intercepted and destroyed by air defense forces operating within the Belgorod region. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)
In related briefings, it was noted that Russian Guard specialists shot down UAVs reportedly en route to the Belgorod Thermal Power Plant. This follows earlier statements about drone activity in the area and the ongoing effort to protect critical infrastructure from aerial threats. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)
Earlier, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod region, reported an incident in which Ukrainian drones attacked Belgorod. He described a strike that caused a residential building to catch fire, with windows partially shattered and damage to the facade and roof. The district administration head confirmed that no residents sustained injuries. Subsequently, authorities indicated a second wave of attacks against the Belgorod region, with air defenses engaging and taking down two drones. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)
There were prior reports that electronic warfare systems had neutralized several drones, some of which reportedly fell near the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, disrupting their flight paths and reducing potential damage. These developments form part of the persistent cross-border security challenges observed in the region. (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)